Elise Creations & Passions: It's Peony Time

Sunday, June 21, 2026

It's Peony Time

A lovely Peony. I particularly love the leaves on this one.

Peony

Peonies

Peonies are native to Asia, Europe and Western North America.

About ants on Peony Flower buds: Many plant species have special glands on their stems that produce sugary secretions which attract ants. It's not just plants either. Insects such as aphids and leafhoppers famously excrete honeydew that ants can't resist. In each of these cases, organisms are using the ants' natural tendency to guard a food source. The ants will viciously attack anything that threatens this easy meal. Peonies are doing just that with their flower buds. By secreting a sugary substance during their development, the plant are likely recruiting ants to protect the flowers, which for angiosperms, are the most precious part of the plant. It takes a lot out of a plant to flower and the threat of herbivory is ever present. If an insect tries to take a bite out of a bud, the ants quickly swarm and drive it off. It's a win-win situation. The ants get an easy, high-energy food source and the plant suffers less damage to its reproductive organs.

Peony In A Gorgeous Coral Color
Paeonia 'Coral Sunset' (Peony)

Purple Peony

Lusciously Pink Peony

Peony Closeup In Lovely Yellow

Did you know Peonies historically & culturally, from Chinese and Japanese art where they symbolize good fortune. Peonies get their name from the Greek god and healing deity Paeon. a student of the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. In Greek mythology, peonies were associated with healing and protection. Peonies have been used medicinally to treat issues like headaches and muscle cramps.